DO IT YOURSELF WORKSHOP

Learn the basics of Do-It-Yourself at this one-day workshop with Trill Farm carpentry tutor Ruth Thomson.

Perfect for beginners for all those annoying jobs around the house that you feel you should be able to tackle... if only you knew how. We know it's frustrating to wait for jobs to be done, and how much tradespeople can charge for them! And we understand it can be a bit daunting to head for a wall with a power drill.

This is an enjoyable hands on workshop that covers many of the common aspects of basic DIY. If you have just bought your home and have realised it didn’t include a landlord to fix stuff, or just don't want to rely on someone else - this day is for you. There is plenty of time to practice a range of tasks over the day.

Pick up the skills to:

Hang curtains, blinds and simple shelves on any wall.

Learn to drill into wood, brick or hollow walls with confidence. We will show you how to judge what is behind the walls before you drill.

Fill small and medium holes in wood and walls to prepare your surfaces for painting.

Remove old wall fixings and what to do with the ones you can’t.

You will learn by hanging a simple hook, fixing a baton and then putting up a pair of simple shelf brackets. Learn how to select the correct drill bit, wall fixing and screw to secure things confidently.

There will be plenty of tools to try and advice on which ones to have in a basic toolkit. If you are thinking of buying a drill, you can test all of the ones we use to help you decide which one you want to buy.

This course is especially suitable if you're not handy, or if you are able but not very confident about tackling small but important tasks in your home. We will also suggest how to tell if a task is appropriate for DIY or GSI (Get Someone In).

You will take home a set of skills that will last a lifetime. All tools and materials included as well as a delicious organic lunch. Perfect for beginners.

''Thank you so much for teaching me how to do jobs like this. My first project completed, holes drilled in tiles and toilet roll holder fixed in place (only been waiting to be done for 7 years!)... Hope you run more courses like this one, I'll definitely come along. I wouldn't have known where to start without your help.'' - Karen July 2015

Course Tutor: Ruth Thomson

Since 1986 I have been working with wood as a Carpenter / Joiner and Furniture Maker.

For the last five years I have been teaching woodworking skills at The Goodlife Centre in London. My teaching style encourages individuals to learn through hands on experience. I am enthusiastic about passing on these skills and work on the understanding that learning a practical skill creates a lot of satisfaction.

The basic skills are just the start of a journey that can lead into many different directions, where ever that bug takes you!